Emily Andre, a doctor and mother of three, is navigating the complex world of raising daughters in an image-obsessed culture. She’s chosen a path less traveled, one focused on building inner strength rather than fixating on outward appearance.
Andre consciously avoids complimenting her 11-year-old daughter, Amelia, on her looks. It feels counterintuitive, she admits, as praising a pretty hairstyle or beautiful eyes often comes naturally. But she believes focusing on personality and skills is crucial for a young girl’s self-worth.
“I really try and focus on their strengths, the things that they’re good at, and really build that up,” Andre explained. She wants to create an environment where value isn’t tied to physical attributes, a subtle but powerful shift in how she communicates with her children.
This approach extends to rules around makeup. While acknowledging that every family is different, Andre is more cautious about allowing Amelia to experiment with cosmetics. Clear mascara and lip gloss are permitted, but a full face of makeup is off-limits for now.
Andre recognizes the conflicting messages children receive about beauty. She herself wears makeup for work, creating a delicate balance between modeling self-expression and protecting her daughter from societal pressures. It’s a challenge she’s actively working to navigate.
The conversation around young girls and makeup isn’t new. Andre’s approach stands in stark contrast to the experiences of Peter Andre’s other children, particularly his daughter Princess, whose early exposure to makeup sparked public debate and even conflict with her mother, Katie Price.
Price, a former glamour model, once defended allowing her young daughter to wear makeup, explaining that Princess was simply imitating her. However, she later admitted she was wrong, acknowledging the potential dangers and the impact of such images.
The incident served as a wake-up call, highlighting the vulnerability of children in the digital age and the importance of considering the messages they receive. It underscored the need for a thoughtful approach to beauty and self-image.
Andre believes parenthood is about guiding children through a gradual transition from childhood to adulthood. It’s about managing those in-between years with sensitivity and awareness, fostering a sense of self that isn’t solely defined by appearance.
Ultimately, Andre’s parenting philosophy is a testament to the power of intentionality. By prioritizing inner qualities and delaying the focus on external validation, she hopes to equip her daughter with the resilience and self-assurance to navigate a world that often prioritizes the superficial.
